Understanding Christianity is here!
This new resource is really going to change way RE is taught across the country – and in a good way! It is an enquiry based programme which supports an in depth look at the concepts and beliefs which underpin Christianity, and resources teachers and pupils alike to engage with them at an appropriate level. It consists of 29 units, over 150 photocopiable resources, and full teacher support materials, including a growing website. Understanding Christianity” will both support your work on the core units of the Agreed Syllabus, and also provide an abundance of material for effective School Designed RE Units –in essence it promotes greater Biblical and theological literacy – and we all want greater literacy don’t we!
The materials will only be available as part of an RE CPD programme. The pack alone is worth £200 – but we shall be offering you both the pack and the CPD for the highly subsidised total cost of £75. The CPD consists of seven modules and will begin with a full day at Ely (covering four of the modules) on 6th February 1917. Participants will then be able to decide whether they wish to complete the course with another full day of training, or follow a different pathway over several half days or twilights. ThisAutumnterm we are offering you the opportunity to come and see the materials, experiment with some activities and decide whether and how you wish to sign up for one of the full courses. These “taster sessions” will be at the following schools from 4.00 to 5.30:
Tuesday 18th October - Great Paxton (in the school’s Community Room)
Wednesday 19th October – William de Yaxley Junior, Yaxley
Wednesday 2nd November – All Saints, March
Wednesday 16th November – William Westley, Whittlesford
Thursday 17th November – Diocesan Office, Barton Road, Ely CB7 4DX
Wednesday 23rd November – Milton
Thursday 24th November – St Martin at Shouldham
Let me know on which session you would like to attend.
See also
Although this pack is just about Christianity, we understand the writing team is already beginning work on other faiths and we hope to see other quality “Understanding ++++” coming along soon.
Cambridgeshire Network Meetings
We are pleased to welcome Amanda Fitton as the new RE Adviser for Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Northamptonshire – Amanda will be based in Huntingdon. Shirley and Amanda will be sharing the network meetings between them, with this term’s sessions being::
- Tuesday 1st November at Mayfield in Cambridge
- Wednesday 2nd November at Houghton tbc
- Thursday 3rd November at William de Yaxley tbc
- Thursday 10th November at Wisbech St Mary
Meetings begin at 4.00 p.m.
This term we shall be thinking particularly of all those who have just taken on the RE subject leader role and offering a session on becoming an RE subject leader.
For Schools coming to the Cathedral in October
The big October Schools Cathedral Days are now fully booked. This is just to remind those coming that the information you need to prepare is all on not the Stir-up site as previously. (The Stir-up site will soon be closing down completely due to technical issues.)
Websites
Barnabas in Schools
Barnabas in Schools’ always has a new CPD theme for each year and for 2016-17 (from 1stOctober)it isCreating Character, which is all about developing strong personal values such as courage, wisdom, thankfulness, humility, endurance, service and compassion. This package consists of an Inset for primary schools, a creative arts RE day (choice of two themes,FriendshiporCommunity), and free support material on the website.
For more information, go to:
National News
Education Sunday has moved!
You may not be aware, but 2016 is the year of two Education Sundays! The day was normally celebrated either late in January or early in February (it moved relative to the date of Easter) – but now, perhaps more logically, it will take place as the new academic year begins. This year the new date is 11th September and materials are at well as an assembly at
Education Sunday is a national day of prayer and celebration for everyone in the world of education and has been happening for over one hundred years. There is a different theme each year which is devised by an ecumenical steering group representing different Christian denominations and organisations.
Why not encourage your local churches to do something in September and see if you can get involved?
While we were away…
It has been a busy summerfor RE.Over 60 students from across England came together on 13 July at the Houses of Parliament for the inauguralYouth Debateon the role of religious education in schools, where they presented some thoughtful and astute arguments on the importance of RE.
The following dayit was announcedthat Justine Greening would be the new Secretary of State for Education. More than 37 headteachers and representatives of professional associations have since signed an open letterto Justine Greening calling for a renewed commitment to the teaching of PSHE, Citizenship and Religion in post-Brexit Britain.
July also saw the launch of ahigh-profile independentCommission on Religious Education, established to review the legal, education, and policy frameworks for religious education (RE), and to be chaired by the Very Revd Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster. This review will be a wide-ranging, inclusive and evidence-based process designed to inform policy makers, and will last for two years, with a final report expected in mid-2018. The ultimate aim will be to improve the quality and rigour of religious education and its capacity to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain.